No abstract

Humans are frequently exposed to aluminum from various food additives, therapeutic treatments and the environment, and it can be potentially toxic. This study is aimed to elucidate the protective effects of propolis against aluminum chloride (AlCl3 )-induced histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in kidney tissues of rats. Sixty Wistar Albino male rats (average weight 250-300 g) were divided into three equal groups. The first served as a negative control. The second received AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw, 1/ 25 LD 50). The third were administered AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw, 1/ 25 LD 50) plus propolis (50 mg/kg bw). Doses were given once daily via a gavage for 8 weeks every day. The results showed that shrunken glomeruli, intraglomerular congestion, loss of apical microvilli, degeneration of mitochondria and widened rough endoplasmic reticulum were also observed in the Proximal Convoluted Tubules of these animals. Treatment with propolis ameliorated the harmful effects of AlCl₃ ; this was also proved histopathologically by the noticeable improvement in the renal tissues. There were also significant variations in the expressed of ki-67 and p53 proteins. It can be concluded that propolis may be promising as a natural therapeutic agent in AlCl₃ -induced renal toxicity and oxidative stress in rat kidneys.

Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is now used in many foodstuffs as a food additive and flavour enhancer. Although it has classified as safe food ingredient, the use of MSG remains controversial. MSG is a slow excitotoxin food additive which can cause generation of numerous amounts of free radicals which affects many organs such as liver. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and inhibits chemical carcinogenesis by protecting the body against oxidative stress. Aim of the study: Study role of antioxidant (vitamin C) on modulation biochemical, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural changes of liver caused by chronic use of MSG. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult albino rats divided into equal three groups, first group (control) received 1ml of saline daily for three months, Second group received MSG 6mg/g/BW/day for three months, third group received MSG 6mg/g/BW/day and vitamin C 500 mg /kg /b.w /day, orally and for three months. Biochemical changes were investigated by the liver function tests. Assessment of histopathological changes of liver was done by using light microscope, transmission electron microscope, histochemical studies and immuohistochemical studies. Results: After chronic use of MSG, light microscope and transmission electron microscope examination revealed severe histopathological changes such as hepatic architecture destruction and dilatations of the central veins with statistical significant increase of liver enzymes. Histochemical studies revealed severe reduction of carbohydrates and proteins; pyknotic nucleus, vacuolated cytoplasm, swollen mitochondria and vesiculated rough endoplasmic reticulum with significant positive stained nuclei with ki-67 and p53. Administration of Vitamin C with MSG led to significant improvement of biochemical and pathological changes of liver. Conclusions: Chronic use of MSG caused hepatotoxicty of rats which is improved by administration of Vitamin C with it.